Our Favourite Fall Attractions Near Toronto

Autumn is upon us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to huddle indoors and wait out the winter. Sweater weather, fall colours, and spooky attractions are all part of what makes this season special, and experts say that in 2020 we can expect a mild and prolonged one before winter starts.

Not sure what to do? Here are a few ideas for outings not far from the GTA.

• Forks in the Credit Northwest of the GTA, a straight shot up highway 410, is God’s country in Canada’s heartland province. The Forks in the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon is less than an hour’s drive away from downtown Toronto and boasts some of the most stunning autumn views you’re likely to see anywhere. It’s part of the Niagara Escarpment and runs through the Credit River. You can visit to hike, fish, see the waterfalls or its historic (now ruined) dam and mill. Whatever you’re doing, the scenery is something special in the fall.
• Pumpkins After Dark Jack o’ lanterns are an art form. Not necessarily the ones on any suburban street, but we’re talking about the ones at Pumpkins After Dark. This year it’s being put on as a drive-through event, due to the pandemic, but you can download an audio guide and tour 2.5 km of impressive pumpkin sculptures. It’s located in Milton, about 45 minutes from the core of Toronto, and runs from September 18th to November 1st. But get your tickets soon—last year more than 50,000 people attended.
• Oktoberfest Kitchener-Waterloo is a little farther than the other options on this list, but it hosts a fall event that you don’t want to miss. The region’s Oktoberfest celebration is the largest in the world anywhere outside of Munich. Though it’ll look a little different this year in order keep everyone safe, there will nevertheless be smaller gatherings, virtual events and special contests where you will be able to raise a stein and polka in celebration. The event runs from September 25th to October 12th.
• Apple Picking

  It’s a time-honoured harvest tradition for a lot of families. Thankfully, there are dozens of orchards all around and near the Toronto area. Some, like JC Agri Orchards in King City, 30 minutes north of Toronto, don’t charge an admission fee and sell pick-your-own apples by weight. Others, like Chudleigh’s in Milton, ask that you buy a pass in advance. So, depending on where you’d like to go, make sure you confirm the protocols. Most also offer baked goods and cider, without which no autumn outing would be complete.